Opinions on lighting for my 150 gallon

[wtrujillo]

I'm looking to purchase a new lighting system for my tank and i wanted to get some of your opinions on a good system. I'm looking to light a 36" section of my tank. I hope to have some exotic corals and clams later on. Hopefully, you guys can point me in the right direction. thanks.

[::pete::]

First ... get what you will need later on or you will be wasting some $$$

Is the tank 36"?

[wtrujillo]

no, but i only want to have coral and clams on that section of the tank. We have VHO on both sides right now. The tank is 72".

[NaCl_H2O]

What kind of budget are you working with? A PFO hood with 1 or two Metal Halides and PCs or VHOs and built in fans is a good product, but not cheap. MHs claim to only spread good light for about 2' of tank width, so 36" might be a bit much for only one MH bulb? How deep is your tank and what are you looking for color wise? Good growth doesn't necessarily mean good color for us humans. 65Ks give the best growth, but you need to mix with 20Ks or VHO actinics to get a decent (less yellow) color. 10K or 14K are good middle of the road color vs. growth MH light, but you probably still want some PC actinics even with the 10Ks.

[::pete::]

So the center is unlit?

[NaCl_H2O]

no, but i only want to have coral and clams on that section of the tank. We have VHO on both sides right now. The tank is 72".

In that case, maybe a PFO Pendant with a single Mogul or DE MH bulb? Note, if you go DE, you need an enclosure with a glass filter, so I have been told.

A cheaper approach would be a PFO (or other) DIY kit with ballast, mogul socket, and reflector ... if you have a way to mount it under the canopy?

[wtrujillo]

So the center is unlit?

no the left portion of the tank will only be lit by the VHO's i have there now.

[::pete::]

Ok .... I was just tryng to picture it. Steve and Josh gave good suggestions above now you will need to blend it so that the one half isnt white and the other blue ... hope that makes sense.